Lupin seeks out HRH at Grimmauld Place and offers to accompany them on their quest, but Harry refuses, recognizing that Lupin is seeking escape from complications in his personal life. Kreacher returns with Mundungus, who reveals that Umbridge took the locket from him; it was a bribe so she would not turn him in for selling magical artefacts without a license.

Calendar and Dates

Begins on the same day as the previous chapter, so it is 2 August. Kreacher is missing "the following day" and "the day after that" which brings us through 3 and 4 August to 5 August.

Interesting facts and notes

The men are Death Eaters, of course. They sensed that someone was using Voldemort's name in that location, although they had no chance of seeing it. The first one of the trio to say Voldemort aloud was Hermione:

"...that's why you were supposed to use Occumency! Otherwise Voldermort can plan falso image in your mind, remember?" (DH9)

a supper composed largely of moldy bread
This isn't surprising, on one level - the house is no longer in use, unless Kreacher has been coming back here despite having been assigned to live at Hogwarts at the beginning of HBP.

It's also a nice use of food to help set the mood.

A fire sprang up instantly: It gave the illusion of coziness to the stark stone walls and glistened off the long wooden table. Lupin pulled a few butterbeers from beneath his travelling cloak
Literally lighting up the room upon his entrance, with butterbeer to further help the mood to change.

It's impossible to track anyone who Apparates, unless you grab hold of them as they disappear!
Hmm. Must make life difficult for the Magical Law Enforcement people who regulate Apparition.

seven is the age by which most experts agree that magic will have revealed itself, if present
Neville Longbottom, for one, showed magical ability at a slightly later age than this (see his first conversation after the Sorting in PS).

Exceptional character moments

Harry yelling at Lupin for thinking of abandoning Tonks.

Lupin being scared to be a father and afraid of what he has done to Tonks (making her an outcast).